South Korean Youth Lead Attitude Shift towards Japan amid Thawing Ties

Young South Koreans are increasingly drawn to Japanese culture and products, seeing Japan as more of a friend than a foe that colonized the country 70 years ago, unlike previous generations. This shift in attitude comes as ties between the two countries thaw, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offering unprecedented personal condolences to wartime victims during his recent visit to Seoul. The enthusiasm of young Koreans is fueling a sharp rebound in demand for Japanese consumer products, with imports of Japanese beer and whisky surging nearly 250% and 300% respectively in the first quarter from the figures of 2020.